Doc knocks DTC diagnostic ads

Writing in the December issue of Obstetrics
& Gynecology, Dr. Erin Tracy said DTC ads for genetic tests are virtually
unregulated and tests are costly and oft-misunderstood by consumers. Referring
to the BracAnalysis ad campaign by Myriad Genetics, Tracy said: “Some patients
with no risk factors for breast cancer come in and request the test for BRCA-1
and BRCA-2 mutations. The ads are compelling and they're emotionally driven. I
end up spending time discussing why a particular test being advertised is not
appropriate when I should be addressing important issues such as eating a
healthy diet or smoking cessation.”